Chapter 9: Opening a Small Market

You Zhang family are said to be wealthy, yet how have you fallen into such destitution

Liang Hong did not speak, but simply bowed to Zhang Han again, with everything left unspoken.

The drumbeats have sounded, and entry must be made before the third drum. Everyone, please hurry.

Zhang Han was not surprised by Liang Hong's words; before his time travel, Zhang Han rarely ventured out, spending all his time at home studying, and seldom visited commercial establishments, so he naturally had little opportunity to encounter soldiers. After his time travel, Zhang Han was also not particularly interested in military or political matters; his only interest lay in business affairs. Zhang Han had considered bribing the authorities but later dismissed this thought.

These are all valuable experiences in border trade. The two shopkeepers kept talking, while Zhang Han listened attentively, asking questions whenever he did not understand, displaying great humility. Seeing him like this, Zhou Fengji's face was filled with smiles, feeling that Zhang Yun's legacy would continue.

Upon arriving at North Street, every household's shop was already in a state of busy preparation, and He Yusheng was no exception. By the time Zhang Han arrived, both shopkeepers had already been present, and all the assistants had prepared the samples of goods to be sold, ready to head to the market together

The Tartars have their own horse teams. We sell a certain amount of goods, and they calculate how much transportation capacity is needed, then send people and horses to come and transport. Zhou Fengji patiently explained: "This is due to the relaxed rules in recent years. In earlier times, we could only transport goods to the market and deliver them on the spot; the Tartars were not allowed to roam freely in the fort."

Uncle Zhou, Zhang Han asked Zhou Fengji as they walked together: How will the goods be transported after they are sold

During this period, Zhang Han not only studied the business practices of this era in the store every day, but also traveled extensively through North Street and South Street, visiting every place in the fortress where there were businesses. He observed how others conducted their business, researched which trades were more profitable, and sought greater business opportunities from his findings

There is no need for that," Zhang Han said with a smile. "Manager Liang has a lot of trivial matters on his hands; he certainly doesn't need to consult me about clearing the inventory or buying a ledger. It's really unnecessary. I will keep a record of everything, and I often review it. If there is something I don't understand, I will discuss it with the managers. This way, I will gradually become familiar with the affairs of the store.

Chang only hated the itch of her teeth; this woman indeed came from a wealthy family, accustomed to various faults. Ma Yapo had boasted beforehand, but the two sides did not match up. Li Jinlian, of course, caused a commotion, and Chang was understandably furious, wanting to bring people to raid Ma Yapo's home.

It was agreed that I would be served by two maids and four matrons, and that I would receive one hundred taels of silver as an advance, along with several new outfits made of silk. Why is it that none of this has been provided?

In the blink of an eye, it is the beginning of the twelfth lunar month, marking the last day of the year for the small market to open. Zhang Han, having been in the shop for a long time, understands that the opening of the small market is a significant event that every business values greatly. As the young master, he naturally needs to arrive early to participate in the transactions with everyone.

There are also some scenic spots in the city, such as the Yuhuang Pavilion, Chenghuang Temple, Guan Gong Temple, Confucius Temple, and the Academy, as well as some government offices, all of which Zhang Han has never visited.

As Zhou Fengji spoke the second sentence, he looked at Liang Hong, who hurriedly nodded in agreement and replied: "This is only natural, young master. In the future, I will inform you of all matters at hand before proceeding."

The plump beauty Li Jinlian has become a source of concern for Zhang Changshi

The decline of the military has not occurred in just a day or two; it has been this way since my youth, and I fear it has been the same for decades or even a century.

Li Yuchun bowed deeply to Zhang Han, yet ultimately said nothing at all

Zhang Han could only manage a reluctant nod; the cavalry of about one hundred men indeed looked somewhat formidable, appearing quite valiant. There were a few with iron armor, but most wore leather armor adorned with iron leaves. Their weapons were diverse and peculiar, encompassing a wide variety. The long spearmen, resembling beggars, seemed merely to serve as cannon fodder.

Due to his obsession with the ways of business, he has not touched a book at all these days, which has left those who were once familiar with him utterly astonished

The horse market is located not far north of Xinping Fort, in a specially designated spacious area, equipped with fences, market gates, and arrow towers. To the north, there are also traces of ditches. At the beginning of the mutual market, both sides were very cautious, with many Mongolians coming in, while the Ming army had the advantage of the terrain. Fortunately, as trade has continued for a long time, the merchants passing along the way now engage in friendly banter, showing no signs of tension.

As Deng and Yu Sheng and the others barely entered the door, the second drumbeat sounded, and a cacophony of footsteps approached from outside the main gate. Flags fluttered in the wind, and first, a small squad of cavalry clad in armor, wielding long knives and lances, entered. They circled around the fence before finally halting their horses at a high platform. Following them was a large contingent of infantry carrying long spears, accompanied by a cavalry unit, which included several officers appearing to be clad in iron armor. Ultimately, the infantry with long spears brought up the rear, totaling approximately five hundred individuals, with around one hundred in the cavalry unit.

"Hurry up, hurry up." Hearing the wailing sounds, Zhang Han quickly put on his clothes, donned a rat fur hat, tied on a wind belt, and urged Zhang Chun to follow him quickly. The commotion in the residence was truly bothersome.

Since bringing her back, she has been crying and fussing at home every day. Sometimes she demands clothes, sometimes gold jewelry, and she also insists on having silver kept in reserve. Every morning, she insists on drinking bird's nest porridge, claiming that she is used to it from her previous household, and if she doesn't get it, she threatens to fall ill. Then she calls for someone to fetch silver to buy medicine. If her demands are not met, she continues to cry and fuss in the residence. She is broad and stout, with a strong voice, and when she makes a commotion, the entire neighborhood is aware of it, not to mention how many people have laughed at her antics.

Zhou Fengji was actually very clear about the matter at hand, but he never expected that Zhang Han would handle it in such a manner

All the samples of goods are placed on two mule carts, and once they arrive at the market, the door panels will be set up to establish a stall for free trade

With this, Zhang Han felt relieved, as he no longer had to find a way out. The Chang family would also not ask him to consummate the marriage with this woman. A woman like her, if she were to become a concubine, would undoubtedly lead to countless complications.

Liang Hong stood beside Zhang Han, noticing the curiosity on Zhang Han's face. He then explained softly: "The cavalry is the household staff of Lieutenant General Lai from Xinping Road, while the infantry is part of the garrison troops... Although it is said to be a part, in reality, there are more than 1,600 soldiers, but the actual number is only about 1,000. Most of them have already arrived here."

Liang Hong was also quite surprised, and Zhou Fengji was similarly taken aback. The Zhang Han before them was mature and experienced, handling matters with such precision that even Li Yuchun had nothing to say. Moreover, during the arrangement, Zhang Han spoke with a tone of certainty that brooked no discussion, embodying a kind of authority that combined both benevolence and severity. His approach not only dealt with the situation but also fostered goodwill, evoking a sense of admiration in others

However, this woman was purchased at a high price, and the Zhang family is known for their benevolence, making it impossible for them to mistreat her. If the daily provisions were slightly inadequate, she would cry and make a fuss, causing everyone in the household to regard her as a calamity. Zhang Han considered simply selling her to a brothel to resolve the issue, but unfortunately, the Chang family would never agree to that.

After spending so many days in the shop, Zhang Han finally earned the approval of the taciturn old shopkeeper and gained a basic level of loyalty. He looked at the several shopkeepers and couldn't help but smile.

At this time, unlike in later generations, merchants without status cannot easily offend the authorities, nor can they easily approach those in power. The so-called status refers to being part of the gentry or the ranks of military officers and nobility, or at the very least, being on the periphery. If one does not belong to these groups, it is better to quietly amass wealth and avoid drawing attention to oneself; otherwise, one risks losing everything.

I want to leave, let me go

How can they be dressed so raggedly

Zhou Fengji praised, "This is the right way to do things. The young master truly is a descendant of the elder, shrewd to the core."

Certainly, the Ming Dynasty still values its face, only trading with the Mongolian right wing, while the left wing's indigenous tribes refuse to submit, thus the conflict will continue, and the horse market will only engage with the Jurchens

Everyone stood in front of the store exchanging pleasantries, all wearing tense expressions. Upon faintly hearing the sound of drums coming from the market, Zhou Fengji's expression changed, and he immediately instructed everyone to set off.

Zhou Fengji said: "The Tartars are indeed cunning and sly. In fact, it would be better for us to send the goods over. In the past, when they came to pay tribute, they rode horses that were sold to us, and they did not spare them on the journey, regardless of whether they were sick or had died. Later, the court negotiated with Altan Khan, stipulating the number of tribute envoys and that they could only ride their own horses, not the ones sold to us. This significantly reduced the issues. Young master, there are many twists and turns in this matter; do not be deceived by the Tartars' seemingly simple demeanor."

Liang Hong is quite knowledgeable, and Zhou Fengji also remarked: "Young Master, the border troops rely on cavalry, primarily composed of the household soldiers of officers below the rank of general. Did you see those cavalry just now? They are also equipped with armor, and their attire is relatively neat."

"Several decades ago, the Tartars frequently invaded the borders," Liang Hong remarked with a smile, "Now it has calmed down significantly, so we do not pay much attention to them anymore"

Zhou Fengji nodded heavily, his eyes surprisingly showing a hint of redness. He said in a deep voice: "We will do as the young master says; from now on, all matters concerning the shop must be discussed with the young master."

It is said that distance creates beauty. Zhang Han is quite interested in the soldiers of this era, but at first glance, the immediate impression is that a large group of beggars has arrived... Tattered clothing, emaciated faces, the only difference being that the beggars carry dog-beating sticks, while the "soldiers" before him wield red-tassel spears

Xinpingshan City is one of the most important trading points with Mongolia. The monthly market is also significant, as it is a benefit that merchants have fought for with the court. Of course, this is also due to the Ming court's consideration of the needs from the Mongolian side. Although the annual official market trade volume is substantial, it far from meets the daily needs of the Mongolian herdsmen, only satisfying the requirements of the highest tribal rulers and a few nobles. Without the monthly market, those friends from the north would not be so easy to deal with; when supplies run low, they would naturally resort to raiding. Therefore, for the practical needs of the border, the monthly market is indispensable. The annual official market trade volume, while large, still cannot adequately address the daily needs of the Mongolian herdsmen, only meeting the needs of the highest tribal rulers and a few nobles. Without the monthly market, those friends from the north would not be so easy to deal with; when supplies run low, they would naturally resort to raiding. Thus, for the practical needs of the border, the monthly market is essential.